Nux-vomica

(Nux-vomica)
Sanskrit: कुपीलु • Botanical: Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.

Kupilu (Nux-vomica) is a moderate-sized tree found in the forests of Southern and Eastern India. The seeds are extremely toxic and contain the powerful alkaloid Strychnine. The seeds must be purified (Shodhana) before internal use - they are never used raw. After proper purification (boiling in cow's urine, milk etc.), the seeds become a powerful medicine used in paralysis, facial palsy, Vata disorders and as a nerve tonic. The purified seeds improve appetite and digestion. The bark is bitter and febrifuge. The chemical composition is dominated by Strychnine (1.25-1.5% in dry seeds) and Brucine. The seeds also contain Loganin and Vomicine. Extreme caution is required as the lethal dose of Strychnine is very small. Only use after proper Shodhana. Dose: After Shodhana 1/2 to 1 ratti maximum; Churna 1/2 ratti. Verses: 19.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Strychnine (1.25-1.5%), Brucine, Loganin, Vomicine, Alkaloids
Also Known As
English: Nux-vomica, Poison Nut
Sanskrit: कुपीलु, विषतिन्दुक, काकतिन्दुक, मर्कटतिन्दुक
Hindi: कुचला

What is Nux-vomica (Kupilu / कुपीलु)?

Kupilu (Nux-vomica) is a moderate-sized tree found in the forests of Southern and Eastern India. The seeds are extremely toxic and contain the powerful alkaloid Strychnine. The seeds must be purified (Shodhana) before internal use - they are never used raw. After proper purification (boiling in cow's urine, milk etc.), the seeds become a powerful medicine used in paralysis, facial palsy, Vata disorders and as a nerve tonic. The purified seeds improve appetite and digestion. The bark is bitter and febrifuge. The chemical composition is dominated by Strychnine (1.25-1.5% in dry seeds) and Brucine. The seeds also contain Loganin and Vomicine. Extreme caution is required as the lethal dose of Strychnine is very small. Only use after proper Shodhana. Dose: After Shodhana 1/2 to 1 ratti maximum; Churna 1/2 ratti. Verses: 19.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Rasayana (rejuvenative after Shodhana/purification)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.